Repel It Forward
In a poignant turn of events, a parent finds themselves burying a child, a heart-rending reminder of the unpredictable nature of life. Yet, there are lessons to be learned from history, as demonstrated by the actions of the ancient Roman Emperor, Marcus Aurelius, and the characters portrayed in the hit musical, Hamilton.
Marcus Aurelius, known for his wisdom and leadership, faced numerous hardships during his reign. His approach to adversity, rooted in Stoicism, offers valuable insights for us today. He focused on what he could control—his thoughts and responses—and accepted what lay beyond his grasp, such as betrayal, loss, or misfortune.
One of the key strategies Marcus employed was recognising the dichotomy of control. He understood that he could not control external events but could manage his reactions. He maintained his virtue and integrity, refusing to imitate wrongdoing even in the face of ill-treatment. His reflective wisdom, grounded in constant contemplation of human nature, impermanence, and his duties, helped him navigate through hardships.
In times of anxiety, Marcus encouraged rational acceptance. He believed that peace could be found by embracing reason and the present moment, rather than resisting fate. His teachings resonate in the modern interpretation of his philosophy, as portrayed in the musical Hamilton, which reinforces these Stoic strategies to meet adversity with resilience and moral steadfastness.
The song in Hamilton portrays a character named Hamilton reeling from the loss of his son and his reputation. The lyrics suggest that there are moments that words cannot express, and a grace too powerful to name. This poignant portrayal serves as a reminder that there are experiences that are too profound to fully understand or express, yet we can find solace in the resilience and moral steadfastness that Marcus Aurelius embodied.
In the face of adversity, Marcus Aurelius did not dwell on the reasons for his tragedies. Instead, he focused on his actions and gratitude. He gave others the grace he deserved but never received, and in difficult times, he found things to be grateful for. This approach can inspire us to cultivate gratitude during challenging times, recognising that there is always something to be thankful for, even in the darkest of moments.
In a similar situation, Marcus Aurelius put one foot in front of the other to cope. He reminded himself that he was not in control, telling himself that he didn't get a choice. This mindset can help us push away what we cannot understand or the unimaginable, focusing instead on what we can control and finding strength in our inner virtue and tranquility.
As we navigate our own challenges, the lessons from Marcus Aurelius and the characters in Hamilton serve as a beacon of hope. They remind us that it is possible to find resilience and gratitude in adversity, to embrace what we can control, and to find peace in acceptance. Whether it's a family business that burns to ashes in a single day, a storm surge that swallows a coastline whole, or a diagnosis that upends a life overnight, we can learn to push away and work through the unimaginable, just as Marcus Aurelius did.
Science and health-and-wellness can benefit from the lessons learned from the Stoic philosophy of Marcus Aurelius. His focus on mental health, such as managing thoughts and responses in the face of adversity, can be applied to modern-day practices for stress management and resilience building. Education and self-development can also be enriched by studying the reflective wisdom Marcus Aurelius gained through constant contemplation, which can serve as a guiding principle for personal growth and character development.
